Mireya Acierto/FilmMagic
Actress/writer Lena Dunham, whose publicity tour for “Girls” was recently cut short.
Endometriosis isn’t just cramping Lena Dunham’s style.
The chronic gynecological condition that caused the “Girls” star and director to pull out of promoting the sixth season of her show affects 5 million women in the U.S., according to the Office on Women’s Health.
“Top Chef” host Padma Lakshmi and singer Halsey have also been public about their struggles with the painful disease. It’s one that’s often misdiagnosed as bad period cramps.
The Endometriosis Foundation of America shares everything you need to know about detecting and treating the disease.
What is endometriosis?
It occurs when the endometrium tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside the uterus, such as on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel or tissue lining of the pelvis.
What are the symptoms?
Most patients experience pelvic pain that coincides with menstruation, which is why endometriosis is often confused for cramps. Some women feel pain throughout their whole menstrual cycle, however.
Other symptoms vary depending on where the lesions are growing, but may include: “killer cramps” that don’t ease up with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like Alleve) and/or impede day-to-day activities; periods that last longer than seven days; heavy menstrual flow that requires changing a pad or tampon every two hours or less; bowel and urinary disorders such as diarrhea and painful urination; nausea or vomiting; pain during sex; fatigue and infertility.
What is the cause?
Researchers have not identified one specific cause for endometriosis, although they have a few theories.
The retrograde menstruation theory suggests that some menstrual tissue backs up through the fallopian tubes during the period, implants in the abdomen and grows thanks to an immune system disorder or hormonal problem. But while 90% of women have retrograde menstruation, 1 in 10 have endometriosis, so more research is needed.
Another theory suggests endometriosis may be present early during fetal development, and then gets activated in puberty when estrogen levels increase in the body. Autopsies performed on infants have shown evidence of endometriosis.
There may also be a genetic component, as girls with close relatives diagnosed with endometriosis are five to seven times more likely to have it themselves, but more research is needed.
Can I catch endometriosis from someone else?
James Devaney/GC Images
Daughter Krishna Thea Lakshmi-Dell and mom Padma Lakshmi, who has been candid about her struggle with endometriosis.
It is not contagious — and cannot be passed from person to person through contact.
How can I be tested?
There is no test for endometriosis, and evidence of the legions is not visible on CTs, MRIs or ultrasounds.
The only way to verify endometriosis is to undergo a diagnostic laparoscopy, a surgical procedure that allows a doctor to look directly inside a patient’s abdomen or pelvis.
What’s the course of treatment?
A surgeon can carefully remove the entire lesion(s) through laparoscopic excision surgery to remove the disease both above and below the surface of where the lesion has latched on and grown.
There are also ablation and cauterization surgeries, but those only remove the tissue on the surface, which doesn’t get to the root of the problem. They can also cause additional scarring that can add to the patient’s pain and discomfort.
Does getting a hysterectomy get rid of endometriosis?
This is a common myth. But endometriosis often grows on areas other than the reproductive organs, so removing the uterus without excising the remaining lesions will not cure the endometriosis or stop a woman’s pain.
Can I still get pregnant with endometriosis?
Approximately 30-40% of women who have endometriosis experience issues with their fertility. Yet studies show that fertility can improve after undergoing excision surgery to treat endometriosis. Pregnancy may actually bring relief from endometriosis symptoms because of increased progesterone in the body.
How many women suffer endometriosis?
Endometriosis affects 176 million women worldwide, and 1 in 10 girls and women in the U.S.
It affects women equally across all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, and usually causes symptoms during reproductive years (from 12 to 60 years old). It can impact all aspects of their lives – school, careers, finances, relationships and overall well-being.
npesce@nydailynews.com
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Health – NY Daily News